A report prepared by Forest Department on the controversial resettlement within Wilpattu Sanctuary boundaries was presented to President Maithripala Sirisena recently.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Anura Satharasinghe told local media said that old maps had been used to study the original ownership of the land.

The President instructed officers of Forest Department to look into all activities taken place in forests, including Wilpattu.

Satharasinghe also alleged that certain nationalistic and political groups were attempting to control and panic the public over Wilpattu issue.

However, the President had instructed divisional secretaries and district secretaries through a letter to investigate and take measures regarding deforestation.